Belfast-based artificial intelligence company (AI) Sonrai Analytics co-founder Deva Senevirathne has been recognised as one of the top three European female entrepreneurs in AI by the Women in AI Awards 2020.
Sponsored by Capgemini, the prize was created to inspire women to take part in AI-related career paths and to recognize the talented women who have launched AI related start-ups. Queen’s University PhD student Deva has surpassed 170 entrants from 38 countries and 80+ cities to reach second place.
Deva said: “I’m honoured to be considered as one of the top three Women in AI in Europe. Only 22% of AI professionals globally are female, so it’s vital that we take meaningful steps to bridge the gender gap and encourage and empower as many girls and women into AI fields.”
While studying for her PhD in Bioinformatics, Sri-Lankan born Deva sculpted the first prototype of an integrative solution and championed the embryonic steps of Sonrai Analytics emergence. Sonrai Analytics have grown from strength to strength since, winning multiple awards, funding and prestigious clients and partners, such as Roche.
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Women make up just a fraction of the artificial intelligence workforce, whether in the form of research and development or as employees at technology inclined firms.
According to the World Economic Forum: “Non-homogeneous teams are more capable than homogenous teams of recognising their biases and solving issues when interpreting data, testing solutions or making decisions.”
In other words, diverse teams, and especially those that emphasize women at their core, are essential for AI companies to flourish.
Without female role models for girls to look up to, it becomes difficult for young women to envision future careers in science, technology and engineering fields. Deva is paving the way for others to reach even further and to dare to dream even bigger.
The use of AI technologies will continue to grow across industries and societies, becoming a part of everyday life for us all. The gender gap that already impacts the tech industry in many areas can be curtailed if diversity is promoted.
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Source: Written from press release
